Dancer’s Block

Many pole dancers who regularly choreograph routines or combos for Instagram, classes, showcases, and/or competitions know all too well the struggle of dancer’s block. Much like writers block, dancer’s block involved a stall or complete stop in the creative process that inhibits the dancer from finishing or coming up with new content. I personally go through a bit of dancer’s block every-time I build a routine. Often times undercover perfectionist tendencies coupled with a heavy dose of dancer’s block contribute to procrastination in finishing said pieces. In this post I will highlight some different ways to combat dancer’s block as well as throw in a couple of ways that have been beneficial for me here lately.

• Try dancing or running you combos to a different song and record yourself doing it.  You may find a different way to accent a move or inspiration to try a move you haven’t in a while.
• Take a break from what you are working on and come back to it with a clear head.
• Look through your old routines, Instagram/social media recordings for things you love or haven’t tried in a while. It may spark inspiration for a new entry/exit into a well known shape- or a new shape all together.
• Freestyle- I know, I know, but really this is so helpful and freeing when frustrated during the creative process. Sometimes we just need to move in a way that is natural to our bodies. Taking the time to pay attention to the movements natural to us can help routines look less… routine.
• Check out the details, for me personally musicality is very important. It makes me happy to find beats layered within the music to hit and hi-light. Sometimes all your basic butterfly to flatline scorpio needed was a little pizazz.
• A change of scenery- maybe you’ve only been practicing at home and need to try your floorwork on a large dance floor, or taller poles. A different environment in an unconfined space can help to get the creative juices flowing. Speaking from experience (I am the owner of a pole that is almost my height) getting into an empty room or the on the tall studio poles really help me come up with movements.
• One thing my studio owner Schannon says that always resonates with me during the process, is to remember why you love pole in the first place. Sometimes we get caught up in the competition fever and forget to have fun, or really enjoy what we are doing. I believe this is the most important thing to remember.

Dancer’s block is the worst however, much like writer’s block you will eventually move past the frustration to create something amazing. The pole community is small and is made up of people who defy gravity and possibly the laws of physics every day. Nothing we do is ordinary, especially to the general public. Remember that as long as you are happy with your end result, that is all that matters folks.

*photo of Suwasit by Lakin Jones Photography

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JJ Pole Nerd

JJ hails from St. Louis, MO but currently resides in Richmond, VA. She has been poling for four years at Pole Pressure Richmond and competes several times a year, primarily in PSO events. She also intends on competing in other pole organization’s events this upcoming season. She is a former competitive swimmer,an amateur clarinetist, and INFP. She works in Public Safety and studied Clinical Psychology and Criminal Justice both in Missouri and in Virginia. JJ is quite eccentric and enjoys trap music, sci-fi movies, medieval fantasy, and all things Tim Burton.

Latest posts by JJ Pole Nerd (see all)

• Dancer’s Block - June 15, 2018
• Pole Dance Cross Training Activities for People Who Hate the Gym - May 25, 2018
• What’s in your Pole Bag? - March 9, 2018